Post by Diarist on Feb 18, 2017 10:53:32 GMT 1
We departed RAF Duxford at first light and landed at Le Bourget a couple of hours later. We were met by General Gamelin and were driven to Hôtel Brienne where a large warm breakfast completed the welcome. Our delegation consisted of LG Gort, MAJ Wales, Malcolm Hewitt from the Foreign Office, Sally and myself plus our colleagues BG van Overstraeten and LG Winkelmann.
After the breakfast and equipped with coffee we introduced our proposal for a common offer to Germany from Britain, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. I handed a copy of the Confederation proposal to PM Daladier, FM Flandin and General Gamelin. PM Daladier was the first to speak. "A Confederation between Britain, France and Germany? A very original proposal."
"It's goal is to permanently prevent war between our three great nations. Smaller nations can be added later. The idea is to form a coalition of forces to meet the inevitable threat from the east."
"I see it includes a non-aggression pact between all members as well as a mutual defence agreement. If a non-member state attacks a member state then it is automatically at war with all members, correct?"
"That is correct, Sir. Strength in numbers as a deterrent."
"I like the idea of a confederation as opposed to a federal structure. You are proposing a common defence policy to be followed by a common economic and infrastructure policy?"
"Those are essential federal requirements. The common economic policy would help overcome the lingering effects of the recent depression and would apply to both the civilian and military sectors. The people must feel the benefits of the confederation, their living standards must improve."
"We would also need a common foreign policy too. Do you agree?"
"It would be difficult to separate our foreign and defence policies. They belong together at the moment."
"A very ambitious project," Pierre Flandin added. "Would the British people accept such a confederation, MAJ Wales? Actually my question is for Prince Edward."
"It's a question for all three nations not just Britain. We must emphasize the main goal and that is no more war between our nations. Peace enables more prosperity and several nations united enables more peace with the neighbours outside of the confederation. Properly presented with a list of benefits I believe that the memories of the recent conflict can be overcome. None of our three peoples want to return to the dark years of the Great War. I believe that applies to the Germans too."
"I am German," Sally offered. "I know that political parties, notably the NSDAP, have created resentment against Britain and France primarily because of the Versailles Treaties and not the war. They have brought nothing but suffering and indignation to Germany and are indirectly responsible for the rise of the Nazis. If those treaties were to officially disappear that would help."
"A good point but the Treaties are larger than our three nations," Flandin replied.
"If the Germans can abrogate them why can't we in unison?" I countered. "They are in shambles anyway."
"That's another matter." PM Daladier asked what our further plans are.
"We have a meeting with King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina in Belgium planned for Sunday," I replied. "We hope to take a French representative with us."
"If France accepts this proposal?"
"No, Sir. This is just our preferred proposal and we are hoping for your support. We have other options of course. The worst case scenario is that we do nothing and help create a super-Hitler. Another option is going to war. We could occupy the entire Rhineland. What are your proposals, Mr. Prime Minister?"
"We have already agreed to occupy the Saar. Beyond that we are hoping for no further confrontation. We do have a full-scale invasion plan which has been brought up to date."
I was looking at General Gamelin who nodded. "I'm only a major but if you have an invasion plan which is a possible response to a German move into the Rhineland then all the units involved need to be at full-strength, fully equipped and with all the supplies required. Is that the case, General?"
"We are quietly doing that. The divisions along the border are already at full-strength."
I admit that the full invasion plan has surprised me.
The PM continued "Recent events have encouraged us to consider a bolder plan than would have been possible a year ago. The strong bond with Britain and our mutual victory over Mussolini have dampened the threat from the communists. The election victory has shown that the nation is no longer divided and the people support our current defence policy. We know that in 1936 the Germans are not ready for war and can be easily defeated. If they give us an opportunity then we should grasp that opportunity. Later this option may not be available and we all know what that would entail."
"Britain stands with you, Sir." Lord Gort continued, "I can assure you that our goal is to prevent a war against Germany like we had twenty years ago. The Confederation proposal is the peaceful variant. The other variant involves dissecting Germany to pre-Bismarck days. No Germany then no war with Germany."
"I can't give any details but I don't believe the Germans will be receiving any reinforcements from eastern Germany."
"That does simplify things enormously."
"So can agree that we try your Confederation proposal first, if the opportunity arises, with a full invasion as the alternative?" PM Daladier asked.
"We demand they capitulate under the threat of a full invasion?" I suggested.
"If they don't capitulate then we invade. I can accept that."
We decided to adjourn for lunch.